How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home
With a high-quality espresso maker, you can elevate your coffee-making at home to a whole new level. How do you choose the right machine?
There's a lot to consider--from measuring and grinding your own beans, to tamping and pressing properly, to pulling the right espresso. Fortunately, a lot of the tasks can be automated with semi-automatic machines, and in some cases, even fully automated models.
Manual
If you want to to make the highest quality espresso make at home, you'll need to invest in some high-quality equipment. The most important part of the system is a well-designed and quality espresso maker that can handle pressure. Some manufacturers have stripped down the system to a bare minimum, creating machines that don't have boilers at all and rely on hand-pressure to get some pretty decent shots.
We've tested a number of these and discovered the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the very best in its field. It's not cheap but you're getting coffee machinery that will last for years, and has 35 years of Lelit support and service to stand behind it. It's not the most lightweight however that's to be expected given its construction. It also has a beautiful retro-futuristic style that's sure to be a conversation piece.
Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is a good choice. It's not inexpensive, but it does a great job in what it does, and you'll have the ability to grind your own beans. It's a bit larger than the other grinders we examined, however that's because it has the largest burr set and it can handle more than the average burr set can. It's also a bit simpler to use than the other grinders we reviewed and is backed by a solid warranty.
There are four types: Manual/Lever (also called Automatic), Semi-Automatic (also known as Volumetric), and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are the most traditional and offer a more familiar design, but they are the hardest to learn how to use and require more skill to dial in and pull shots.
Semi-automatics allow you to do the grinding and tamping by yourself, but they also have an electric pump which provides the same flow and pressure. You can alter the amount of espresso you pour into your cup by stopping the brewing process, and most semi-automatics have steam wands that let you to make froth. There are also super-automatics which do all the work for you, with built-in grinders, tampers and brew cycles and much more.
Semi-Automatic
The main difference between semi-automatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automatic machines is the degree of control you want over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines require baristas to apply pressure and pull the shot, which can be tiring and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines can brew professional-quality espresso at the touch of a single button. However, this convenience comes at an expense and these machines can be costly to buy or rent.
A semi-automatic machine is a great option for those who want to control the coffee they make but don't have time or the skills to become barista. This kind of machine takes the guesswork out of brewing a shot by grinding the beans, forming them into an hockey puck shape, and forcing hot water through them at just the right amount of pressure to make an espresso. This type of espresso machine can also allow you to steam milk and create Latte art.
These machines are more costly and require more maintenance than fully automated machines. However for those who aren't able to purchase or rent an espresso machine that is fully automated, semi-automatic espresso makers can be an affordable alternative.
Fully automated espresso machines guarantee an exact cup every time, with minimal effort. They take all of the steps involved in making espresso, from grinding the beans to brewing a shot, and steaming the milk and all this with just one push of a button. This is a popular choice for cafes that need to serve many customers in a brief period and require ease of use. These machines are expensive and are not suitable for all cafes. If you're interested in a fully automatic espresso machine for your business, you should consider buying or renting two to cover the most busy times and the second to manage the slower times.
Pods
Pod coffee machines permit you to prepare espresso-based drinks with the touch of the button. They make use of disposable coffee capsules that are filled with coffee ground in advance and milk powder to prepare your beverage. The top espresso pod machines are simple, sleek, and offer very consistently good results. Each shot comes out with a creamy layer of crema, which is the signature of a top-quality espresso.
The pod machines might not provide the same level of control like bean-to-cup machines, but they are a great alternative for those who value convenience over quality and prefer to avoid grinding and tamping beans on their own. Although they don't produce the same taste as freshly ground beans from a quality coffee grinder, advancements in pod technology and a wide variety of coffees make these machines better than ever.
These machines utilize different coffee pods, but they all have the same basic design and shape. The majority are covered in paper, they look like tea bags that can be placed into a portafilter for brewing. Some are designed to be used with drip coffee machines while others are designed for espresso machines. The former are called soft pods, and the latter are known as Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods.
It is important to check the list of compatible pods prior to purchasing a pod-based machine. A lot of these machines come with a variety of flavors, so you can test out various flavors and brands before buying your preferred. Some brands also sell refillable pods for those who prefer to reuse their old pods.
It is important to think about the cleaning and maintenance requirements of your coffee maker, regardless of the design. While most bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning, washing the brewing and grinder mechanisms and regularly descaling them, several pod-based espresso machines are equipped with self-cleaning functions that minimize hassle.
Water
The espresso machine is an extremely powerful device, which makes use of high pressure to force coffee that has been finely ground into an extremely tightly packed container. The espresso shot is a concentrated and is perfect for making cappuccinos. This was discovered by the Europeans in the late 1800s, specifically the Italians. They made use of this technique to create a new range of café drinks.
There are many ways to make espresso but the principle is the same boil the water until it is to just below boiling, and then press it through the tightly packed grounds of a portafilter. The water then flows into the container below the grouphead. This process creates a highly flavored, dense cup of espresso in under 2 minutes.
Espresso machines work the same way, however their details vary slightly. Some machines employ piston-style designs which requires you to press a lever in order to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bars (116 to 150 psi)). Other machines utilize an electric pump to create the necessary pressure. Others, including the more affordable home-based machines, rely on water and heated temperatures to achieve the same result.
No matter how your espresso machine works, the quality of your ingredients is crucial to a great cup of espresso. Begin with a premium, dark-roasted blog espresso bean. Then experiment with different grinds and tamping techniques to discover the perfect recipe for your home espresso machine.
Make sure you use the correct water in your espresso maker. You should use tap water that has a moderate mineral content. The minerals in the water can help create a smooth and balanced cup of coffee while also helping to prevent the buildup of scale. La Marzocco has downloadable guidelines for coffee water that will help you determine the mineral content of your local water supply.
As you become more familiar with using your espresso machine at home, it's a good idea to invest in some additional accessories, like a portafilter and a steel tamper. These tools will enhance your brewing techniques and will give you a sense of satisfaction with the coffee you're now able to make at home.